Brand Names: GlipiZIDE XL, Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL

Generic Name: glipizide (Pronunciation: GLIP i zide)

• What is glipizide (Glucotrol XL)?
• What are the possible side effects of glipizide (Glucotrol XL)?
• What is the most important information I should know about glipizide (Glucotrol XL)?
• What should I discuss with my doctor before taking glipizide (Glucotrol XL)?
• How should I take glipizide (Glucotrol XL)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Glucotrol XL)?
• What happens if I overdose (Glucotrol XL)?
• What should I avoid while taking glipizide (Glucotrol XL)?
• What other drugs will affect glipizide (Glucotrol XL)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is glipizide (Glucotrol XL)?

Glipizide is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. This medication helps your pancreas produce insulin.

Glipizide is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes.

Glipizide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Glipizide 10 mg-APO

round, white, imprinted with APO, GLP 10

Glipizide 10 mg-IVA

round, white, imprinted with 92 00

Glipizide 10 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with MYLAN G2

Glipizide 10 mg-WAT

round, white, imprinted with WATSON 461

Glipizide 2.5 mg ER-WAT

round, yellow, imprinted with WPI 900

Glipizide 5 mg-GG

round, white, imprinted with GG 771

Glipizide 5 mg-IVA

round, white, imprinted with 92 01, I

Glipizide 5 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with MYLAN G1

Glipizide 5 mg-WAT

round, white, imprinted with WATSON 460

Glipizide ER 10 mg-WAT

round, white, imprinted with WPI 845

Glipizide ER 5 mg-WAT

round, orange, imprinted with WPI 844

Glipizide XL 10 mg-GRE

round, white, imprinted with GLIPIZIDE XL 10

Glipizide XL 2.5 mg-GRE

round, blue, imprinted with GLIPIZIDE XL 2.5

Glipizide XL 5 mg-GRE

round, white, imprinted with GLIPIZIDE XL 5

Glucotrol 10 mg

diamond, white, imprinted with PFIZER 412

Glucotrol 5 mg

diamond, white, imprinted with PFIZER 411

Glucotrol XL 10 mg

round, white, imprinted with GLUCOTROL XL 10

Glucotrol XL 2.5 mg

round, white, imprinted with GLUCOTROL XL 2.5

Glucotrol XL 5 mg

round, white, imprinted with GLUCOTROL XL 5

What are the possible side effects of glipizide (Glucotrol XL)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is the most common side effect of glipizide. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include headache, nausea, hunger, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, trouble concentrating, confusion, or seizure (convulsions). Watch for signs of low blood sugar. Carry a piece of non-dietetic hard candy or glucose tablets with you in case you have low blood sugar.

Stop taking glipizide and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), feeling tired or short of breath, rapid heart rate;
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion; or
• throbbing headache, severe nausea and vomiting, fast or pounding heartbeats, sweating or thirst, feeling like you might pass out.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, stomach pain;
• diarrhea, constipation;
• dizziness, drowsiness; or
• skin rash, redness, or itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about glipizide (Glucotrol XL)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to glipizide, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis. Call your doctor for treatment with insulin.

Before taking glipizide, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, a disorder of your pituitary or adrenal glands, a history of heart disease, or if you are malnourished.

Taking certain oral diabetes medications may increase your risk of serious heart problems. However, not treating your diabetes can damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treating your diabetes with glipizide.

Take care to keep your blood sugar from getting too low, causing hypoglycemia. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include headache, nausea, hunger, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, or trouble concentrating. Carry a piece of non-dietetic hard candy or glucose tablets with you in case you have low blood sugar. Also be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.

Also watch for signs of blood sugar that is too high (hyperglycemia). These symptoms include increased thirst, loss of appetite, increased urination, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dry skin, and dry mouth. Check your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor how to adjust your medication doses if needed.

Glipizide is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and testing your blood sugar. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.